Zesty Lemon Ricotta Pasta with Arugula Recipe for Fresh Dinners

Crafting a delightful lemon ricotta pasta with arugula brings pure culinary magic to your kitchen.

Bright citrus notes dance alongside creamy cheese for an unexpected twist.

Silky strands of pasta create the perfect canvas for this vibrant dish.

Simple ingredients combine with remarkable elegance, promising a meal that feels simultaneously sophisticated and comforting.

Mediterranean influences shine through each carefully prepared bite.

Peppery arugula adds a fresh, piquant counterpoint to the rich ricotta.

Savor every forkful and let this recipe transport you to a sunny Italian terrace.

Lemon Ricotta Pasta with Arugula Highlights

• Whip Up Quickly: Perfect for busy weeknights, this pasta dish comes together in mere minutes with minimal ingredients and simple cooking steps.
• Customize with Ease: Flexible recipe allows you to adjust spice levels, swap greens, or add protein like chicken or shrimp for a personalized meal experience.
• Packed with Fresh Flavors: Bright lemon zest, peppery arugula, and creamy ricotta create a vibrant, restaurant-quality dish that tastes incredibly fresh and sophisticated.
• Family-Friendly Crowd-Pleaser: Mild enough for kids but interesting enough for adults, this pasta offers a delightful balance of flavors that everyone at the table will enjoy.

Ingredients for Lemon Ricotta Pasta with Arugula

• Pasta: Classic Italian noodle that serves as the foundation of this light and zesty dish.

• Ricotta Cheese: Creamy Italian cheese that creates a smooth and rich sauce.
• Parmesan Cheese: Sharp cheese that adds depth and saltiness to the sauce.

• Lemon Zest, Lemon Juice: Bright citrus elements that provide a fresh and tangy profile to the pasta.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and elevate the overall taste.

• Arugula: Peppery green that adds a fresh and slightly spicy note to the dish.

• Olive Oil, Basil Leaves, Red-Pepper Flakes: Optional garnishes that provide extra flavor, heat, and visual appeal.

• Lemon Wedges, Extra Parmesan: Side elements that allow diners to customize their pasta to personal taste.

Cooking Instructions for Lemon Ricotta Pasta

Step 1: Boil Pasta to Perfection

Grab a large pot and cook your pasta according to the package directions until it reaches that ideal al dente texture.

Before draining, scoop out a cup of the starchy cooking water.

Drain the pasta and set it aside, then turn off the heat.

Step 2: Craft Creamy Lemon Ricotta Sauce

• Ricotta cheese
• Parmesan cheese
• Lemon zest
• Fresh lemon juice
• Salt
• Black pepper

Stir everything together until the ingredients create a smooth, tangy mixture.

Step 3: Create Silky Sauce Consistency

Whisk in about half a cup of the reserved pasta water, blending until the sauce becomes luxuriously smooth and creamy.

Step 4: Marry Pasta and Sauce

Toss the cooked pasta into the sauce, stirring vigorously to ensure every noodle gets coated.

Add more pasta water as needed to achieve a perfectly silky sauce that clings to the pasta.

Step 5: Add Peppery Greens

Gently fold in fresh arugula, letting it slightly wilt from the warmth of the pasta.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

Transfer the pasta to serving bowls.

• Extra Parmesan cheese
• Red pepper flakes
• Torn fresh basil leaves
• Lemon wedges on the side

Enjoy your vibrant, creamy pasta immediately!

Pro Tips for Lemon Ricotta Pasta

• Reserve the starchy pasta water to create a silky, smooth sauce that perfectly coats each noodle.
• Add fresh lemon zest for an extra punch of citrusy flavor that brightens the entire dish.
• Fold in arugula at the last moment to preserve its peppery crunch and vibrant green color.
• Gradually add pasta water while stirring to achieve the ideal creamy texture without making the sauce too thin.
• Sprinkle torn fresh basil on top for an aromatic finish that elevates the overall taste profile.

Variations for Lemon Ricotta Pasta with Arugula

• Gluten-Free Zucchini Noodle Version: Replace traditional pasta with spiralized zucchini noodles for a low-carb, gluten-free alternative. Use the same lemon ricotta sauce and cooking method, ensuring a lighter meal that’s perfect for those avoiding wheat.
• Vegan Cashew Cream Adaptation: Swap ricotta with soaked and blended cashews to create a creamy sauce. Use nutritional yeast instead of parmesan, and add plant-based protein like roasted chickpeas for extra texture and nutrition.
• Protein-Packed Chicken Option: Incorporate grilled or shredded chicken breast into the pasta for added protein. Season the chicken with lemon pepper and mix directly into the sauce for a hearty, filling meal that works great for meal prep.

Serving Suggestions for Lemon Ricotta Pasta

• Fresh Garden Party Plating: Serve in a rustic ceramic bowl with vibrant green arugula peeking through creamy pasta, creating an Instagram-worthy presentation.
• Elegant Dinner Companion: Pair with a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc to complement the lemony, peppery flavors of the dish.
• Texture-Rich Side Additions: Sprinkle toasted pine nuts or breadcrumbs on top for a delightful crunch that elevates the creamy pasta’s soft texture.
• Mediterranean Brunch Twist: Serve with a simple mixed green salad and a poached egg on top for a more substantial weekend meal that feels luxurious yet effortless.

Storage Recommendations for Lemon Ricotta Pasta

• Transfer leftover pasta to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Cover tightly to prevent drying out and absorbing other flavors.
• Place pasta in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle 1-2 tablespoons of water to restore moisture, cover loosely, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly.
• Warm pasta in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or olive oil to revive the sauce’s creamy texture. Stir gently to prevent sticking and maintain pasta’s original consistency.

FAQs

• Is ricotta cheese authentic in pasta dishes?

Ricotta is a traditional Italian cheese often used in pasta, especially in southern Italian regions like Sicily, where it adds creamy texture and mild flavor to many pasta recipes.

• Can I use different types of pasta for this recipe?

Yes, short pasta like penne or fusilli work best because they hold the creamy sauce well, but you can also use long pasta like spaghetti or linguine if preferred.

• How do I prevent the ricotta sauce from becoming grainy?

Always use room temperature ricotta and whisk gently with pasta water to create a smooth, silky sauce. Cold ricotta can separate and create a lumpy texture.

• Why is pasta water important in this recipe?

Starchy pasta water helps create a smooth, silky sauce by providing moisture and helping ingredients bind together, ensuring the ricotta sauce coats the pasta evenly.

Lemon Ricotta Pasta with Arugula Recipe

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4.8 from 16 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Savory lemon ricotta pasta with arugula delivers a zesty Mediterranean-inspired symphony of fresh flavors. Rich creamy ricotta and peppery arugula dance together, creating a simple yet elegant dish you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 pound (454 grams) short pasta (like penne or rigatoni)
• 1 cup whole milk ricotta cheese
• 2 cups arugula
• 1 cup finely grated Parmesan or pecorino cheese

Flavor Enhancers:

• 1 tablespoon freshly grated lemon zest
• 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (from 1 to 2 lemons)
• Salt to taste
• Black pepper to taste
• Chili flakes

Garnish and Finishing:

• Olive oil for serving
• Extra Parmesan or pecorino cheese for serving
• Lemon wedges for serving
• Thinly sliced or torn basil leaves (optional)

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Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil and cook pasta until it reaches al dente perfection, carefully preserving 1 cup of the starchy liquid gold. Drain the pasta and set aside.
2. In the same pot, create a velvety sauce by whisking together ricotta, parmesan, bright lemon zest, and tangy lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper to elevate the flavors.
3. Gradually incorporate pasta water, stirring until the sauce transforms into a silky, smooth consistency.
4. Reunite the pasta with the creamy sauce, tossing vigorously to ensure each strand is luxuriously coated. Adjust the sauce’s texture by adding more reserved pasta water if needed.
5. Gently fold in fresh arugula, allowing its peppery leaves to wilt slightly from the residual heat.
6. Transfer to serving dishes, drizzling with a golden stream of olive oil. Garnish with a flourish of additional parmesan, a sprinkle of red-pepper flakes, and delicate torn basil leaves. Accompany with zesty lemon wedges for a final burst of citrusy brightness.

Notes

• Swap regular pasta with whole wheat or gluten-free options for dietary needs.
• Add grilled chicken or shrimp for extra protein and make the dish more substantial.
• Reserve pasta water carefully as it’s crucial for creating a silky, smooth sauce consistency.
• Adjust lemon juice amount based on personal taste preference to balance tanginess.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 510 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 420 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 62 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 23 g
• Cholesterol: 40 mg